The Haitian Cultural Revolution continues, as Emeline Michel, another warrior, delivered a diva-like performance to an overflowing audience at the Inter-American Development Bank in Washington, DC. The IADB's cultural department is well known for organizing great concert by many great artist from around the world. This July was the opportunity for Haiti to shine, and Emeline Michel did more than just shine. She radiated with energy, charmed with class, and sang with spirit.

Word of the free concert quickly made its way through the Haitian elite from around the region, and by starting time the room was filled to capacity. The late arrivals were disappointedly turned away. After a brief introduction, the lovely, petite Emeline Michel stepped out to a very warm reception. "Koman nou ye?" she asked, and preceded, like a true Haitian warrior in the Cultural Revolution, to teach the audience to say, "anfom!"

It wasn't long before the international language of music stirred the audience enough to start the toes tapping and the hands clapping. Emeline was accompanied by a great group of musicians, including violinist Gwen Laster, who complimented her voice and style. With a wonderful sound system, the rhythm of congas, drum, and violin gave the impression of a small smoky jazz club. Emeline performed many hits, including some from her latest album, "cordes et ame."

With great ease, she manipulated the audience with up tempo music, like "pere eternel," or pulled on the heart strings with "poisson de nuage," a song dedicated to her deceased father. "Danse manman'm" was dedicated to her mother, and other Haitian women. The song contained an afro-Cuban rhythm, reminiscent of Sunday afternoon radio in Haiti. The diversity of the Haitian culture can produce not only Zenglen and T-Vice, but there's also enough space to embrace Emeline Michel and Bethova Obas, among many others.

In the end, everyone, in the still packed auditorium, was up and dancing to the "A-K-I-K-O." They were no doubt feeling "anfom." Emeline Michel has come a long way from her humble beginnings in Gonaives. She has evolved into an international star, but she still has love for her country and respect for her culture. With more than six hit albums, she continues to grow as a person and as well as an artist. We can only hope that we are learning from her example and her experiences, as she leads her followers into the 2004 Haitian Cultural Revolution.

G. Mathurin